Gazeta.kg — News of Kyrgyzstan and Bishkek Today
Politics

The Minister of Energy announced an increase in the capacity of the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station

At a meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh dedicated to issues of industrial policy, transport, and energy, the head of the Ministry of Energy, Talaybek Ibraev, reported a significant increase in the capacity of the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station. Ibraev noted that four units of the station have been modernized under a financial assistance program from the Asian Development Bank.

24.02.2026, 11:56
Incidents

The State National Security Committee detained an operative from the Talas District Department of Internal Affairs for systematic extortion.

On February 24, the press service of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) reported the detention of a police officer suspected of committing an official crime. According to the investigation, T.R.Z., a senior investigator of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Talas District Internal Affairs Department, systematically demanded money from a local resident. Otherwise, he threatened him with criminal consequences.

24.02.2026, 11:55
Iceland to Consider Kyrgyzstan's Invitation to Participate in the WIC This Year
Politics / Exclusive

Iceland to Consider Kyrgyzstan's Invitation to Participate in the WIC This Year

In Geneva, on February 23, 2026, during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, held a meeting with Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland. This information was provided by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. During the negotiations, possible ways to deepen bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and Iceland were discussed. The main focus was on

24.02.2026, 11:54
Tax officials seized counterfeit alcohol and beverages at retail outlets in Bishkek
Incidents

Tax officials seized counterfeit alcohol and beverages at retail outlets in Bishkek

In Bishkek, employees of the Tax Service conducted a raid during which cases of sale and storage of goods without excise stamps were identified. The press service of the agency reported this. In particular, at a retail outlet owned by LLC "Chongqing Hogo," inspectors discovered 160 units of Chinese-made alcoholic products lacking excise stamps. Furthermore, 405 liters of liquid with a characteristic alcoholic smell and 124 units of sweet beverages were seized. Similar violations were

24.02.2026, 11:54
Ernis Toltoev appointed as Deputy Mayor of Osh for Municipal Economy and Transport
Politics

Ernis Toltoev appointed as Deputy Mayor of Osh for Municipal Economy and Transport

Ernis Toltoev has been appointed as the Vice Mayor of Osh for municipal services and transport. This appointment was approved by the mayor of the southern capital, Janarbek Akayev. Photo of the Osh City Hall. Ernis Toltoev Ernis Toltoev replaces Sonunbek Junusbaev in this position, who previously handled these matters. The city administration reported that Toltoev will be responsible for managing public services, developing transport infrastructure, and coordinating urban projects.

24.02.2026, 11:50
Society

Educators are overwhelmed, children are running away. A raise in salaries at social institutions is being requested.

Nazgul Turdubekova, representing the public foundation "League of Child Rights Defenders," initiated a request to government agencies to reconsider working conditions and increase the salaries of social institution employees. She emphasized that the Kyrgyz Republic faces a serious challenge in combating violence. Despite the existence of government programs and strategies, their implementation is impossible without qualified specialists who work in crisis centers, institutions that

24.02.2026, 11:50
Universities of Kyrgyzstan and Korea Sign Tripartite Agreement
Society

Universities of Kyrgyzstan and Korea Sign Tripartite Agreement

The agreement on international cooperation was signed by the Osh State Pedagogical University and the Bishkek Music Pedagogical Institute with two leading Korean universities — Dong-eui Institute of Technology and Kyungdong University. This was reported by the Ministry of Education. At the event, Nurzida Kasymova, head of the preschool education department, emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships in the field of preschool and initial vocational education. She proposed to develop

24.02.2026, 11:50
Politics

In Kyrgyzstan, electronic money will become an inheritance

A draft law has been presented in the Kyrgyz Republic that introduces a procedure for the inheritance of electronic money at the legislative level. This document proposes amendments to a number of existing laws, which will allow electronic money to be considered as objects of civil rights, thereby simplifying their transfer to heirs. The project proposes the addition of a new provision to the Civil Code, according to which electronic money will be included in the composition of property. Thus,

24.02.2026, 11:48
In Bishkek, a "peddler" was detained: 40 packets of psychotropic substances seized
Incidents

In Bishkek, a "peddler" was detained: 40 packets of psychotropic substances seized

Police officers detained a young man in Bishkek suspected of distributing psychotropic substances using the "placer" method. This was reported by the press service of the Main Internal Affairs Directorate of the capital. The detention occurred on February 2, when local residents contacted service 102 to report a strange object found near the fence of a new building. An investigative operational group from the Lenin District Internal Affairs Directorate was called to the scene. Upon

24.02.2026, 11:47
Universities of Kyrgyzstan and Korea Launch Joint Educational Programs
Education / Exclusive

Universities of Kyrgyzstan and Korea Launch Joint Educational Programs

The Osh State Pedagogical University named after A. Myrsabekov, in collaboration with the Bishkek Music and Pedagogical Institute named after T. Ermatov, has signed an agreement on international cooperation with renowned Korean educational institutions - Dong-eui Institute of Technology and Kyungdong University. This information was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic. At the event, Nurzida Kasymova, head of the Department of Preschool Education

24.02.2026, 11:46
Society

In Bishkek, a book titled "The Word on the Military Valor of the Red Commander" was presented.

The book highlights the fates of patriots who served in the Red Army. On February 20, 2026, a presentation of the book "A Word on the Military Valor of the Red Commander," written by retired Colonel Mazalbek Kabaev, took place in Bishkek. The event was held in the assembly hall of the Academy of the State National Security Committee (GKNB) named after Lieutenant General A.K. Bakaev, coinciding with the birthday of Jumabek Asankulov, the former chairman of the KGB of the Kyrgyz SSR.

24.02.2026, 11:45
Mexican Authorities Deploy Thousands of Soldiers to Enhance Security After Wave of Violence Erupts Following the Death of Influential Drug Baron
Exclusive

Mexican Authorities Deploy Thousands of Soldiers to Enhance Security After Wave of Violence Erupts Following the Death of Influential Drug Baron

After a recent outbreak of violence triggered by the death of a well-known drug lord, Mexico has intensified security measures by sending thousands of military personnel to the streets, according to the country's security minister. Defense Minister Ricardo Treviño reported that an additional 2,500 soldiers were dispatched to the western regions of the country on Monday, bringing the total number of deployed troops to around 9,500 since Sunday.

24.02.2026, 11:44
Incidents

In Bishkek, a "pickpocket" operating on bus No. 135 has been detained

According to information provided by the press service of the Main Internal Affairs Department of Bishkek, a man suspected of a series of pickpocketing incidents was detained on February 24. As one of the victims of the crime recounted, on February 5, around 5:30 PM, she boarded bus No. 135 at the stop near the Osh market. When the woman reached Levanevsky Street, she noticed that her iPhone 16 Pro was missing.

24.02.2026, 11:42
A New Deputy Mayor Appointed in Osh
Exclusive

A New Deputy Mayor Appointed in Osh

Ernis Toltoev has become the new deputy mayor for municipal services and transportation in Osh, according to a statement from the local administration's press service. This decision was signed by Mayor Janarbek Akayev. Previously, this position was held by Sonunbek Junusbaev.

24.02.2026, 11:40
Doctors in Kazakhstan Sound the Alarm: Measles is Turning into Pneumonia and Leading to Brain Inflammation
Exclusive

Doctors in Kazakhstan Sound the Alarm: Measles is Turning into Pneumonia and Leading to Brain Inflammation

Against the backdrop of general distrust in vaccination, the situation with measles in Kazakhstan is deteriorating. The Ministry of Health is struggling with anti-vaxxers and is now restricting access to educational institutions for unvaccinated children. As a preventive measure against measles, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been using a combined vaccine against measles, rubella, and mumps for over ten years. Vaccination is carried out for children aged one to six,

24.02.2026, 11:38
Incidents

In 24 hours, 11 fires were registered in Kyrgyzstan

In the last day, 11 cases of fire were registered in Kyrgyzstan, with 15 fire brigades participating in extinguishing them. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations on February 24. Of the total number of fires, 4 occurred in Bishkek, 2 each in Chui and Batken regions, and 1 each in Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Issyk-Kul regions.

24.02.2026, 11:34
Economy

Which currency has weakened against the som? Exchange rates in commercial banks on February 24.

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan presented the following foreign exchange rates as of February 24: The euro exchange rate has decreased against the som, while the rates for the dollar and the ruble remained unchanged. AKB "TOLUBAI" 87.30/87.80 102.50/103.50 1.10/1.17 JSC "DEMIR KYRGYZ INTERNATIONAL BANK" 87.30/87.80 102.70/103.70 1.13/1.16 JSC "BANK ASIA" 87.40/87.80 102.50/103.50 1.13/1.16 JSC "BANK COMPANION" 87.30/87.80 102.50/103.50 1.13/1.16 JSC KICB

24.02.2026, 11:34
GKNB: A resident of Manas posted a provocative video on Instagram
Incidents

GKNB: A resident of Manas posted a provocative video on Instagram

A conversation was held with the resident of Manas to clarify the situation On February 20, 2026, an active user "M.A.A." from Manas posted a video message on the social network "Instagram," containing provocative elements and evaluative judgments about the current socio-political situation in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as assumptions about a possible interregional conflict. This was reported by the press center of the GKNB.

24.02.2026, 11:33
Voting will become more profitable than selling your vote? Amendments to the election law
Politics

Voting will become more profitable than selling your vote? Amendments to the election law

Photo from the internet The draft amendments to the Law "On the Elections of the President and Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh" was presented in the Jogorku Kenesh by Deputy Dastan Bekeshev. The main goal of the proposed changes is to increase voter turnout, combat vote buying, and improve the organization of voting outside polling stations. Encouraging Citizens to Participate in Elections The draft law introduces the right of the state to encourage citizens to vote. It proposes three

24.02.2026, 11:33